The Housing and Accommodation Centre (HAC) at USM was established following the merger of several student hostels (Desasiswa) under one centralized management to better coordinate accommodation services across the university campuses. HAC's origins align with USM's broader institutional growth, since USM itself was founded in 1969 and evolved to expand its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of its student population. HAC now manages a variety of accommodation facilities such as Desasiswa Jaya, Desasiswa Lembaran, and Desasiswa Utama, aiming to provide quality and secure housing solutions for students, including both local and international residents.

The Housing and Accommodation Centre (HAC), a branch of the University Sains Malaysia (USM) Housing and Accommodation department, is important for organizing and regulating student accommodation on the university campuses. It helps students to the best of their ability to have safe, comfortable, and appropriate accommodation while studying. HAC was established after the merger of several student hostels known as Desasiswa, and it operates under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Development. Its role includes managing various hostels like Desasiswa Jaya, Desasiswa Lembaran, and Desasiswa Utama, which collectively accommodate thousands of students. HAC is responsible for overseeing daily operations, facilities management, maintenance, and provision of student services such as laundry, study rooms, cafeterias, and recreational spaces within these residences.

In addition to providing accommodation, HAC supports student welfare by maintaining secure living environments with 24/7 onsite staff and emergency health facilities. It also continuously upgrades its facilities by integrating new technologies like cashless payment systems and improving room conditions through renovations.